Assaulted By My Ex

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Washington
Last night my ex husband came to my apartment and forced his way inside. My friend ran and locked himself in the bathroom to call the police. My ex grabbed my face and shoved my head into the wall. It cracked the wall a little and some of the plaster came off. He pounded on the bathroom door and heard my friend talking to the police. He then charged out of my apartment and left.

The police came and took our statements. They asked if I would like to press charges. I said yes. They also recommended that my friend take me to the hospital to be checked out for concussion. I did go to the hospital and was released.

My ex husband texted me today and asked me to call him. I have not called him or texted him back. I just don't know what I am supposed to do. Do I automatically have a restraining order against him? What does it mean to press charges? How do I know if the police contacted him?

What is the typical procedure?

No, you do not AUTOMATICALLY get a restraining order. While I am not familiar with the specific procedure in WA, you may well be able to obtain an order through the police if you act quickly. Otherwise, you may have to proceed through the court.

I would contact the police, make reference to the previous case, and inform them of his new contact. And ASK about how to obtain a restraining order in your jurisdiction.

Oh ... nice "friend" who hid and called the cops rather than standing up to your attacker. Was this a new boyfriend? Someone old or infirm? It seems like HE should have confronted the intruder and allowed you to call 911 rather than the other way around.

And when you say he "forced" his way in, how? Did someone allow him in? Did he kick the door open? How did he make entry?

New boyfriend. My ex was knocking on the door and my friend told me not to answer it. I asked my ex if he was okay and he said no. I opened the door and he pushed through.

I will call the police and ask what happened with the case. Since my ex husband hasn't tried to contact me at all today I am assuming the police at least contacted him. It is unusual not to hear from him.

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So, what does it mean to "press charges?" Is there now a case against him?

The police make a report, they will forward it to the DA and the DA will decide to pursue charges or not.